Sustainable Schools Challenge
Sustainable Schools Challenge
The Sustainable Schools Challenge is a visionary, new concept from Welsh Government to pilot how schools can be designed and built with the full involvement of learners, staff and the wider community – delivering net zero schools which are fit for the future.
It’s a big Challenge and it’s a new way of designing and building schools.
Reimagining how schools could be designed, built and used:
- What would schools look like if they were designed with learners, staff and the community at the very centre?
- What are the applied learning opportunities and wider benefits of involving learners, staff and the wider community in the building of new schools?
- How could the curriculum be delivered at each stage of the design, build and operation of a school?
- How can we maximise the benefits to the Welsh economy and maximise the positive impacts on the natural environment by building with home-grown materials with the lowest embodied carbon creating schools with the lowest operational energy?
- How can circular economy principles, such as using sustainable materials, minimising waste, and designing adaptable, resource-efficient spaces, transform the way schools are built and operated?
Three schools have been successful in securing £15 million from Welsh Government to pilot this concept:
- Ysgol Gynradd Bontnewydd in Gwynedd
- Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhosafan in Neath Port Talbot
- Glyn-coch Project (currently Cefn Primary and Craig-yr Hesg Primary) in Rhondda Cynon Taff
Down to Earth have been appointed by Welsh Government from March 2025 to October 2025 to collate a Case Study of Engagement in the design stages of the challenge.
The key aims of the case study were to:
- Capture best practices in stakeholder engagement during the Design Phase of the Sustainable Schools Challenge.
- Highlight lessons learned in engaging with learners, staff, parents and carers, community members and local authorities.
- Provide insights for future design and construction of schools across Wales through the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.
The full report is available here in Welsh and English.
